- What Is A Dental Bridge?
- What Happens During the Dental Bridge Procedure?
- What Can I Expect After Getting Dental Bridges?
- What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
- Middle Tennessee Oral and Implant Surgery Reviews
- Am I A Candidate for Dental Bridges?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Dental Bridge Restorations
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
What Is A Dental Bridge?
If one or several of your teeth have fallen out, it's more than just a cosmetic issue — gaps in your teeth may cause other teeth to shift out of place. This can result in extra tension in your bite, increased pain during chewing, or even trouble speaking. A dental bridge improves the health and appearance of your mouth by covering gaps with a false tooth supported by either your natural teeth, dental implants, or a combination of both. At Middle Tennessee Oral and Implant Surgery in Murfreesboro and Smyrna, TN, Drs. Mark Hardison and Jeff Warden offer custom-made bridges with high-quality materials that will help restore your smile. If you have one or more teeth missing from your smile, please schedule an appointment at one of our middle Tennessee offices to learn about your treatment options with a dental bridge.
What Happens During the Dental Bridge Procedure?
Once your teeth are prepped, Dr. Hardison or Dr. Warden will take digital x-rays and dental impressions so your custom bridge can be created. If needed, a temporary bridge or restoration may be placed while your custom one is crafted. As soon as your restoration is ready, your mouth may be numbed with local anesthesia. Other anesthesia or sedation options may be used if you have anxiety or a strong gag reflex so you will be comfortable during the placement. The dental bridge for your front teeth or any other teeth will either be glued into its position or connected to implants, depending on the support you selected during your consultation. The position of your bridge will be carefully adjusted so it is comfortable and remains in place.
What Can I Expect After Getting Dental Bridges?
There may be some sensitivity and tenderness for a few days after your bridge is placed. Dr. Hardison or Dr. Warden will provide aftercare instructions to keep your bridge and natural teeth healthy. You should maintain good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, to prevent plaque from building up around the bridge. It's also important to avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods, which could damage the restoration. During your follow-up appointments at our Murfreesboro or Smyrna, TN offices, we will check the fit and condition of your bridge to ensure it remains comfortable and secure. With proper care, your dental bridge can last for many years.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges involve numerous benefits for individuals looking to repair missing teeth and renew their oral wellness and appearance, including:
- Increased self-assurance and enhanced overall quality of life
- Very little upkeep
- A resilient and long-lasting tooth replacement resolution
- Stop surviving teeth from fluctuating in position
- Renewed proper chewing and speaking abilities
- Allocates bite forces evenly to protect your real teeth
- Upholds the muscles of the face, preserving a more vibrant look
- Helps maintain the natural outline of your face
- Optimizes your smile's appearance by covering spaces
Middle Tennessee Oral and Implant Surgery Reviews
The staff and physician were VERY efficient, professional, and gave all the information without being pushy. I came in expecting two implants, and the doctor felt that I may only need one to retain function.It’s rare for a provider not to attempt to up charge you and I greatly appreciate the honesty.
Thank you to Dr. Hardison and his AMAZING team! I had a great experience!
Great Service! Great staff! Great people!👍
Yesterday I had my wisdom teeth removed. And everyone at the office was fantastic. Dr. Hardison is so down to earth and was great from start to finish. I was really nervous being 42 needing my wisdom teeth out. I had read how much easier it is for teenagers. The whole staff helped explain what to expect and I just am so thankful for their compassion! The young lady that started my IV did a great job! Thank you guys for everything!
From check-in to procedure completion, people were friendly, clear information presented and procedure was performed greatly, with no pain!! Great experience!
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Am I A Candidate for Dental Bridges?
People with missing teeth don't merely have an aesthetic issue — spaces in the teeth may have a powerful impact on their oral health. Your mouth is balanced carefully, and a missing tooth can affect its function. With time, gaps may lead to teeth shifting, creating problems with your bite (overbite, underbite, crossbite) and atrophy of the gums and jawbone. A dental bridge requires the surrounding teeth to be strong enough to support the restoration, with sufficient density in the jawbone and gum tissue. Our team will assess your teeth, gums, and jaw during your consultation to help you select the best bridge type (cantilever, traditional, resin bonded, or Maryland bonded) and material (ceramic, porcelain, metal, and porcelain fused to metal).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I expect a dental bridge to last?
With consistent care, dental bridges often last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or longer. Daily brushing and flossing help prevent plaque buildup and protect the surrounding teeth. Routine checkups are also important to ensure your bridge stays in good condition and to catch any potential issues early.
Will getting a dental bridge be painful?
It’s normal to feel nervous about dental procedures, but your comfort is a top priority. At our Murfreesboro and Smyrna, TN offices, we use local anesthesia to numb the area before treatment begins. If you’re feeling especially anxious, Drs. Hardison and Warden can discuss sedation options to help you feel more at ease throughout the process.
Are dental bridges designed to be taken out?
Most dental bridges are fixed restorations, meaning they’re securely cemented to adjacent teeth or implants and not meant to be removed by the patient. However, in some cases, a removable option like a partial denture may be recommended.
Dental Bridge Restorations
Even if you don't mind how you look with a missing tooth, it can turn into bigger problems if you don't get it fixed. Schedule a consultation at Middle Tennessee Oral and Implant Surgery to learn more about dental bridges and what options will fit your specific needs. Dr. Mark Hardison and Dr. Jeff Warden are pleased to offer high-quality dental restorations that can help improve the health and appearance of your teeth. Contact either of our offices in Murfreesboro or Smyrna, TN to schedule your appointment.